C10225v1 Bachelor of Midwifery

Overview

The Bachelor of Midwifery incorporates midwifery theory, science and clinical practice in a range of health facilities. Graduates of the course are competent midwives who have the skills, knowledge and confidence to practise midwifery according to the international definition of the role and scope of practice of the midwife.

This course is the first Bachelor of Midwifery to be introduced in New South Wales. It provides the opportunity to apply for registration as a midwife without having to become a registered nurse beforehand.

Course aims

The course aims to produce informed, reflective, caring and compassionate midwives who demonstrate competencies related to professional responsibility, interpersonal processes and the exercise of clinical judgment. Graduates are capable of providing woman-centred care in both hospitals and community settings. They practise reflective, evidence-based midwifery encompassing primary health care principles as well as emotional and social aspects of birth. They promote culturally sensitive care for women from indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The course prepares students to identify and analyse the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will continue to develop them as midwives and lifelong learners. This includes meeting the challenges of contemporary midwifery practice and maternity service provision in Australia and internationally.

Career options

Career options include being a registered midwife in both hospital and community settings, and in both metropolitan and rural areas.

Academic requirements

Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.

Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

The UTS Year 12 Bonus Scheme awards bonus points to Australian high school applicants based on performance in HSC subjects that are relevant to the course applied for. Further details are available at:

Assumed knowledge

Any two units of English.

Any two units of science and any two units of mathematics are recommended.

Course duration and attendance

The Bachelor of Midwifery is offered at City campus over three years on a full-time basis only.

Course structure

Students must gain a minimum of 144 credit points to complete the Bachelor of Midwifery.

Full-time students study four subjects a semester incorporating midwifery theory, science and clinical practice.

Industrial training/professional practice

This course includes extensive midwifery practice, which is a compulsory component. Students undertake midwifery clinical experience in an allocated area health service facility. Clinical placements occur in blocks each semester, and are in addition to time spent in the midwifery laboratories that simulate the clinical environment. The placements involve morning, evening and possibly night shifts. Over the duration of the course, students are also required to follow 30 women throughout their pregnancy, birth and the period after birth. This requires students to be on-call to attend the labour and birth. Third-year students undertake a prolonged period of clinical experience with most time spent in the clinical environment. Third-year students also have the opportunity to complete a rural and remote placement.

All midwifery students must adhere to the NSW Health policy directive, 'PD2007_006 Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases', prior to commencement of any midwifery clinical practice placements. The policy can be viewed at:

Course completion requirements

Course program

A typical course program is shown below.

Honours

Professional recognition

Other information

Further information is available from the UTS Student Centre on: